WTTC: More Travel & Tourism Businesses Set Climate Targets on the Path to Net Zero

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) on Wednesday revealed a significant surge in the number of global businesses in the sector committing to net-zero emissions.

According to the WTTC’s second edition of its Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism, in the past three years, the number of travel businesses with climate targets has risen by 27 percent, with more than half now actively pursuing emissions reduction.

Announced at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the report revealed that 53 percent of leading global travel businesses now have climate targets, a notable increase from 42 percent in 2021, when the first Net Zero Roadmap was created.

According to the report, more than a third of these companies are aligning with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a clear indication of the industry’s shift toward sustainability. The updated roadmap introduces new strategies, aiming to guide companies in setting ambitious, actionable targets and improving transparency across the sector.

‘Updated Net Zero roadmap is a call to action’

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson.

“The updated roadmap is a call to action for every business in Travel & Tourism,” WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said, underscoring the urgency of these developments. “The sector is moving forward; but we must work together with greater ambition and urgency to create a sustainable future for Travel & Tourism.”

Moreover, the roadmap highlights significant reductions in carbon intensity in key areas such as aviation, cruise, and accommodation. These sectors are proving to be leaders in sustainable practices, with many companies exploring new technologies like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce their carbon footprint.

Additionally, consumer demand for sustainability is increasing. The report found that 75 percent of global travelers are now seeking more sustainable travel options. This demand is putting additional pressure on the industry to meet these expectations, the report highlighted.

The WTTC’s second edition of the Net Zero Roadmap also offers practical guidance for small and medium enterprises to adopt green practices, and calls on governments to incentivize these efforts to accelerate progress.